Advocacy Hub’sTop 10 Tips for Great Advocacy

by Ben Katekar

3. Prepare thoroughly prior to trial. The fate of almost all cases is decided before the trial begins. Don’t leave work that can be done prior to trial, to be done during the trial.

4. Command. Prior to trial, be the General of the legal team. Project manage the preparation process, and take responsibility for it. At the hearing, be in command of the evidence, of the law, of the courtroom. Demand from the client the resources and the evidence you require.

5. Be the judge’s guide.

6. Be reasonable – in your argument, and in your manner. Personify reasonableness. Find an argument that not only seems fair, but simply must be right. Seek irresistibility.

7. Be clear. Take the time to pare the argument down to its essential elements, so it is readily understandable.

8. Be courageous.

9. Be scrupulously honest – with the court, and your opponent. Be trustworthy. Be reliable.

10. Take responsibility for your case. At trial, don’t apologise for the state of the case (the pleadings, the evidence, your witnesses) once the trial starts.